CATHY SIMPKINS

Paul AdkinsSports Editor

March 15, 2013

LOUISA, Ky. — In a voice so soft that only she could hear it, God whispered her name; and Cathy Adkins Simpkins stepped out of her mortal body at her home in Louisa, Ky., and into immortal perfection on Thursday, March 14, 2013. Cathy was born to Dorothy and the late Dennis L. Adkins (formerly of Delbarton) on March 1, 1959, at Williamson. She graduated in 1977 from Matewan High School.

It was in her sophomore year that Cathy accepted Jesus Christ into her heart. From that time forward, her love for her “Poppa God,” as she lovingly called Him, impacted every facet of her life. She made Colossians 1:9-10 her own personal life confession.

As a young teenager, she also fell in love with her soul-mate and life partner, Ricky Jay, and their love story would last the rest of her life. She often joked that the two of them “just grew up together.” When their sweet baby girl Tracy was born, their little family was complete.

Cathy taught for a time at Regional Christian School, and she was greatly loved by her kindergarten students. She and Rick were a blessing to the school and faithful members of Regional Church while they lived in the Delbarton area. Upon moving to Louisa, she and Rick served actively at Christ Temple in Huntington. It will only be known in Heaven how far the seeds of her life scattered and blossomed.

Cathy had a gift for seeing beauty far beneath the surface, whether in people or in the simplest household object. She could take something discarded and worn, and turn it into a work of art. She knew how to make a home warm and inviting, and everyone who came through her door was made to feel loved and welcome.

Cathy was undaunted by the threat of cancer. With faith firmly planted in God, and with a resilient spirit that refused to be crushed, she lived—and she lived well. Instead of succumbing to despair, she candidly shared her journey with a host of others in similar circumstances; and instead of speaking defeat, her words were laced with Scripture and life-giving hope. She and Rick built a farmhouse and raised animals. She played barefoot in the grass with the beloved grandchildren she lived to see born; they were Nana’s treasures. She fished, she worked in the garden, she clowned around with her brothers, she cooked with her mother, sat by her father’s bedside. She and Tracy went to Italy. She had fun. She laughed. Most of all, she grew closer and closer to her Poppa God. She glowed with the glory of God, so much so that one could see no trace of sickness on her beautiful face.

Remaining to cherish her memory are her husband, Ricky Jay Simpkins; her daughter, Tracy (Jason) Jones; her grandchildren, Kaden and Jayla Jones, all of Louisa; her mother, Dorothy Adkins, her brothers, Chris (Cindy) Adkins and Kenny (Trena) Adkins, all of Danville; her special nieces and nephews, and a host of family, extended family, and friends whom she considered family.

A celebration of Cathy’s life will be held Sunday, March 17, at 11 a.m. at Regional Church of God in Delbarton with the Rev. Danny Gilfilen, Rev. Kevin West, and Pastor Mitchell Bias officiating. Cathy will be laid to rest at her beloved farm in Louisa.

Visitation will be at the church on Saturday evening. The family will have a private time together from 4-6 p.m. and friends may call from 6-9 p.m.

Rick, Tracy, and family wish to thank Community Hospice Center of Ashland, Ky., and all the medical professionals who have given Cathy tender, loving care. They also thank the network of friends who have surrounded them with prayer and support. In lieu of flowers, it would please the family if donations are made to Community Hospice — gifts in memory of one who always gave so much.